Michael Lee Page

Michael Lee Page was born October 8, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa. After a year-long battle with illness he passed peacefully from us February 11, 2026 surrounded by family who loved him dearly. He was 83.

As an only child Mike's father Ralph Page taught him to love adventure. They shared the fun of go carts, dirt bikes, racing, and speed — a legacy Mike shared with his own sons throughout his life. His mother Naomi Butcher cooked all the foods he loved, was always there for him, and encouraged him to build friendships that have continued to his last days of life.

Mike attended Park Avenue School, Lincoln High School, and Des Moines Technical High School. He learned the printing business and maintained a successful career in that field till he retired at age 53.

Mike married young and had three sons, Gregg, Chris, and Kelley. He taught them the value of having good friends, loving family, and enjoying life-to play hard, to live on the edge, to be daring, and to love speed - with bikes, motorcycles, and cars. When Mike's first marriage ended in divorce, he and his boys continued having adventures together, building life-long memories.

In 1975 Mike married Kay Mercer. She and her two girls Kim and Christine joined the Page boys in creating memories filled with love and laughter. The grief of losing Kay to cancer in 2007 was unexpected and heart-wrenching. Supported by family and friends Mike learned to accept and appreciate life once again.

Mike enjoyed the last 20 years of life with family, friends, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and motorcycles. He counted 72 motorcycles he owned in his life and enjoyed his memories of riding with his sons and his best friends. During his last eleven years he valued the life and love he shared with Sally, who had been a life-long friend. He said many times, "I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I've had a great life."

Mike is survived by four children: Gregg, Kim, Kelley, and Christine; eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Mike's family is hosting a Celebration of Life to honor him on Wednesday, February 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge on Grand Avenue in West Des Moines.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made out to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or EveryStep’s Kavanagh House in loving memory of Michael.

Print

Leave message